you already have 17x8" rims on if you have a MP3. the offset is where the "spokes" are lined up inside the rim. so, if you want any offset it's to pull the spokes inside the rim giving you more clearance for the tire to the suspension/wheel well.
So I guess the width is measured from the insdide of the spokes/hub eh? because if you go from lip to lip it's 8". original tires are just over 8" (205 mm = 8.07 inches) I now have 8.5" tires on it (215).
I have 18 by 7.5 running 45 offset with 215/35/18 tires and they dont rub but its a gap my credit card will only fit in. I have pictures of my rims in the for sale section if you want to look
"Racing Beat helped Mazda tune the MP3's lowered underpinnings. Tokico shocks were added, spring rates were boosted, and larger stabilizer bars were included. Add in 17x7-inch Racing Hart thin spoke alloy wheels and 205/45ZR17 Dunlop SP9000 tires, and Mazda claims that the MP3 boasts a 30 percent increase in cornering power over the Proteg ES. Euro-spec steering with a 15.4:1 ratio is also part of the MP3 package, along with a strut-tower brace, resulting in improved straight-ahead tracking, road feel and cornering precision. Brakes are four-wheel ventilated discs with high-friction pads, but they are not equipped with ABS. "
"Mazda teamed up with Takechi Project Company and Dunlop Tire to introduce a unique wheel and tire package: one-piece 17" x 7" Racing Hart alloy wheels and low-profile Dunlop SP9000 205/45ZR-17 inch tires"
If anyone else that's posted in this thread claims to have stock MP3 wheels that are larger than 17x7 - post pics of the inside of your wheel where the dimensions are listed.
You cant run 8" wide unless you roll your fenders. RX8 rims are 18x8 and will fit protege's with some fender rolling. Your stock rims are most likely 7", they might be 7.5" but definitely not 8". 45-55mm offset.
